NFL fans couldn’t get enough of Eli Manning’s surprising revelation: the New York Giants legend rode the New York City subway for the very first time, despite living in the tri-state area for over two decades. Manning, who famously led the Giants to two Super Bowl victories, made the unexpected confession on social media, and it immediately sparked a wave of hilarious reactions.
Manning took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share the experience, posting a selfie of himself standing on a Downtown-bound 6 Train platform. His caption was simple yet surprising: “First time riding the subway!”
For a man who has spent most of his adult life as a New York icon, it was a shock for many fans to learn that this was his first foray into the underground world of the New York City transit system.
Unsurprisingly, Giants fans, along with New Yorkers at large, flocked to the comments section to poke fun at Manning’s revelation. They offered a mixture of jokes, warnings, and tongue-in-cheek observations about the unique experience that is riding the NYC subway.
One of the top comments read, “Where were you today at 6:45am?” This comment appeared to reference the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan earlier that day, showing the darker side of some New York humor. Other comments ranged from sardonic advice to good-natured ribbing. “Don’t touch any homeless drugged-out felons,” one person quipped, likely referencing the ongoing Daniel Penny trial, where the former Marine was charged for subduing a man on the subway. “They’ll prosecute you,” the commenter warned.
Another user decided to offer some “helpful” subway tips, joking, “The doors say ‘Emergency Exit’ at the turnstiles Eli, but it’s just a suggestion. Feel free to use at your pleasure!” It was followed by a sly reference to a fellow NFL legend: “Watch your back, Tom Brady has been seen lurking down there.” Brady, Manning’s longtime rival, was used here as the punchline for a bit of playful rivalry.
The jokes didn’t stop there, as another commenter issued the iconic piece of New York subway advice: “Don’t make eye contact.” It’s the kind of street-smart counsel that any New Yorker would give to someone new to the city’s unique and often unpredictable public transportation system.
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Some fans even questioned Manning’s timing, noting that New York was far safer during his playing days than it is now. “Literally in New York through the safe times and decide to ride the subway now??” one fan questioned.
Ironically, when Manning was first drafted by the San Diego Chargers and subsequently traded to the Giants in 2004, the city was actually more dangerous than it is today. That year, New York saw 570 murders across its five boroughs—179 more than in 2023. Despite this, Manning seemed content with the timing of his first subway adventure.
Manning’s connection to New York is unique—despite the team’s name, the New York Giants are headquartered across the Hudson River in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Both MetLife Stadium, where the Giants play, and the team’s headquarters are in New Jersey, meaning that the Giants players rarely set foot in the five boroughs of New York City. It adds to the humor that, after spending 16 years with the team, Manning had managed to avoid the subway until now.
Though this was Manning’s first time riding the subway, other pro athletes have embraced the public transit experience before. In 2017, LeBron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers teammates famously hopped on the subway after a shootaround, preparing for a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. LeBron even shared a video of the ride, showing his teammates interacting with curious New Yorkers.
Similarly, the Detroit Pistons found themselves riding the subway in November, en route to a game at Barclays Center in Downtown Brooklyn.
With the New York City Marathon clogging the streets, the subway proved to be the fastest way for the Pistons to get around the city that day. Unlike Manning, however, these athletes took the train out of necessity rather than for the novelty.
Manning’s first subway ride might seem trivial, but it underscores just how different his life as an NFL quarterback was compared to that of the average New Yorker.
Despite his years living in the area and becoming a local legend, Manning never experienced one of the most quintessential parts of New York City life—the subway.
Now, as a retired NFL star who is embracing a quieter, more exploratory lifestyle, Manning seems ready to experience the little things he may have missed during his illustrious career.
Whether Manning takes the subway again remains to be seen, but his candid selfie and confession certainly provided fans with a memorable moment.
The reaction, a mix of nostalgia, humor, and genuine surprise, highlighted just how much New Yorkers still feel connected to the former Giants quarterback, who continues to find new ways to charm his fans—even if it’s just by finally hopping on a train.